Post by kmatrixg on Dec 10, 2010 17:50:42 GMT -5
This year will feature a new setup - offering a league-wide Power Rankings, and as the season progresses will be separated into conference exclusive playoff races.
The setup will be as follows:
Seeing as how this will be the first of the power rankings, record will not apply, and this will be a ranking of how each team is expected to perform throughout the season based on offseason acquisitions and player progress.
1.
Vancouver Grizzlies
Vancouver, defending SSBL champions, have not made any significant changes to the future HOF team including Shaq, Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd. They added second rounder Pape Sow to the low post, a young kid who brings defense and rebounding off the bench, however his playing time will be limited early in his career.
2.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Battling with the Grizzlies for top spot in the league will be Minnesota, who improved dramatically after acquiring All-Star guard Penny Hardaway over the summer for, almost nothing that was important in last years push to the top. Adding this kind of perimeter firepower could only have its benefits to a Minnesota team that is already amongst the leagues powerhouses.
3.
Dallas Mavericks
This could be a controversial pick at number 3, however the Mavericks finally seem to be clicking, led by Steve Francis at the point, and Rasheed Wallace down low. Dallas retained the services of center Greg Ostertag, who is the teams linchpin on the defensive end. Many have claimed the team spent too much money on Ostertag, however, he is proving why he deserved that steep contract. Not to mention the duo that is almost always overlooked, Jamal Mashburn and Grant Hill are still bringing a certain level of talent along with their experience to the lineup.
4.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers lost most of their depth over the summer, watching Jermaine O'Neal rob the bank, and trading Michael Redd, Stromile Swift and Hedo Turkoglu for Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. While the two give LA the best frontcourt in the league, the team lacks any threat on the perimeter outside of Jamal Crawford, who hasn't proven he can be a reliable point guard. The Lakers are hunting for that perimeter oriented guy to take the pressure of the post on offense. Regardless, the Lakers should be somewhere in the top four of the league when it's all said and done. Duncan and Nowitzki are still two great players.
5.
Orlando Magic
Like Vancouver, Orlando made relatively few changes to the lineup that brought them the 2 seed in last seasons playoffs. While the Eastern Conference is growing, and a few teams are legitimately better than 2003, Orlando still has one of the most talented teams in the league with the combination of Mourning, Pierce and Anderson. Consistency and possibly a better point guard could ensure the Magic stay atop the Conference, and League.
6.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks arguable made the best moves of the offseason, gaining offensive star power while retaining that defensive swagger that landed them the top seed in the EC last season. Atlanta added Steve Nash and Brad Miller from the Spurs, while giving up an aging Gary Payton and offensively retarded Theo Ratliff. The team still has defensive madman Eddie Jones, and blocking machine Erick Dampier in the post. The Hawks, once they all gel, should be a top team in the East.
7.
Seattle Supersonics
Seattle landed their star to place next to Kobe, and it seems to be paying off so far. Shortly before the season began, Seattle pulled a deal with the Knicks to ship out a number of draft picks, Rick Fox, and Raja Bell for Jerry Stackhouse and Kurt Thomas - both serviceable players for a playoff team. Stackhouse teams up with Kobe and Eddie House in the backcourt, and Malik Rose down low. Kurt Thomas, the teams starting center, is probably better suited in a backup role. There is no word whether Seattle is looking to upgrade the position, but that could be the teams only weakness at this point.
8.
Detroit Pistons
Could Detroit be for real this year? They have a solid starting five after trading away Dirk for a more natural SF in Hedo Turkoglu, and with the emergence of Leandrinho Barbosa, Michael Finley is back to playing his natural 2 guard spot. After seasons of players out of position, Detroit finally seems to have a very good starting 5 - and it should continue to show throughout the season.
9.
Portland Trailblazers
Portland, like many clubs, dramatically improved the teams overall talent level in the offseason. They addressed their need for a young point guard by drafting Shaun Livingston, and also, their need for a dominant post presence by signing Free Agent Kenyon Martin. Now, Portland sports a great lineup including Mihm, Martin, Stojakovic, Johnson and Livingston - a group that is young, and ready to produce some wins in the postseason.
10.
Denver Nuggets
Denver is another team that made minimal changes to their playoff team, and the trio of Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Glenn Robinson could, once again, make a strong impact in the powerhouse Western Conference. The one thing that is working against Denver at this point is the fact they are in the same division as the top 2 teams in the league - Minnesota and Vancouver. While they have enough talent to get into the playoffs, they will need either a dominant Center, or 2 guard to actually win it all. Jalen Rose is a decent talent, but not starter material, as the same goes for Jerome James down low.
11.
Sacramento Kings
Sac-Town turned Al Harrington and Charlie Villanueva into Antoine Walker, Mike Bibby and Tayshaun Prince this summer - a grand upgrade, especially in the case of Charlie Villanueva. Antoine Walker gives the team a legit 2nd option on offense, while Mike Bibby brings a consistent passer - Andre Miller was decent, but proved to be ineffective during the playoffs. The Kings have a good lineup, but they need to acquire a great offensive option at the 2 spot in order to expect to compete for a title. Steve Smith has long seen his time in the league pass by him, and he shouldn't be considered a reliable starting 2-guard at this point in his career.
12.
Indiana Pacers
After Indiana plummeted down the standings last season right before they were ready to lock in home-court advantage, management starting moving pieces around like investors in a market crash. Shawn Kemp, Penny Hardaway, and Mike Bibby were all let go, and in their places Indiana has set up a more youth oriented, and raw lineup. While the team has talent, we question it's ability to win games when it matters - down the road and in the playoffs. Either way, as it stands the Pacers have enough talent to make a play in the weak East. They're going to need Redd, Swift and Harrington step it up big to make up for the weak bench and sketchy SF play.
13.
Milwaukee Bucks
After their heroic playoff push last season, Milwaukee did the unthinkable by trading superstar Ray Allen to Chicago for Luol Deng. Despite the huge loss of talent, the Bucks could still have a decent starting five. Led by a revived Keith Van Horn, the former champions are dedicated to the youth movement, and could find themselves in the limbo if they don't get some real talent quick.
14.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers will spend another season hovering around mediocrity as they could not find any deals to improve their lineup. Richardson and Olawokandi will lead the team once again, but when will it be time to blow this squad up? Each year they end with about 45-50 wins, and a first round exit. The Clippers need a game changing superstar on the roster, whether it be at PF or SG. Until then, the Clippers will be a middle of the road team struggling to get past the ever-improving teams in the West.
15.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has made significant changes to their team who owned the worst record in the league. After getting (quote) "Fucked by the lottery", the team went on a no-mercy trading period that saw the team grab bigmen Pau Gasol and David West in return for highly sought after Greek Sofoklis Schortsantis, or, "Baby-Shaq". They also added rookie talent in Andre Iguodala who should be a favorite for ROY honors, and veteran point guard Andre Miller. All of the sudden, the Cavaliers have a great starting five, and a solid supporting cast. Cleveland should end up fighting for a playoff spot by season's end.
16.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors, like Cavaliers, were one of the worst teams in the league last season, and again, like the Cavs, have made significant changes to the look of their squad. While retaining Wade and their first rounder, the team was able to pick up Brandon Bass in the middle of round 1, and trade a pair of rookies in Ray Felton and Pavel Podkolzin for Chris Kaman and Carlos Boozer, who shore up the teams problem with scoring in the post. Overall, the Raptors have a very young, inexperienced team, who are led by an even less experienced foreign point guard. The verdict is still out on whether or not Toronto can perform until the end of the season, but with the talent they currently possess, it's hard not to foresee it happening.
17.
Houston Rockets
Houston missed the playoffs last season, however the emergence of Chris Bosh should help this team fight for a playoff spot. With Vince Carter still producing like an All SSBL First Teamer, and Scot Pollard manning the post, the only real weakness the team has is a natural point guard. Dajuan Wagner has stuggled at the point so far in his career, being careless with the ball, taking too many shots for himself and not set setting up his teammates. If Houston wants to gain a spot in the Western Conference playoff race, they have to first start with the 1.
18.
Chicago Bulls
Ray Allen leads this group of youngsters, and who else better for the job then a champion from the 2002 division rival Bucks. In probably the most surprising move of the offseason, Chicago acquired one of the better shooting guards in the league with Allen. Combining him with an up and coming star in Anthony, Chicago has a near perfect balance of outside shooting, and inside post ups. Marcus Banks is still proving to be a fantastic starting point guard, as he gets better each year and becomes more of the pass first guard many thought him to be.
19.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio recently traded away, arguably their best player in Steve Nash over the summer, and replaced him with an aging Gary Payton. While Payton brings to the table what Nash knew nothing of - defense - Payton also isn't the facilitator that Nash was, therefore giving McGrady and Mobley some competition for their shots. Payton would be better of focusing on getting those two prolific scorers the ball, and taking shots only when they are necessary. However, because these players don't have brains, we know it won't happen. Expect the Spurs to be fighting for a playoff spot come season's end.
20.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State is in an opposite state, of chaos in fact, at this point. Continually trading, cutting and signing players hasn't proven to be good for team chemistry in past years or the future. While the team is talented, most of it has come at just 2 or 3 positions instead of a strong overall lineup. There could be a burst of motivation though, if the team is just outside the race come seasons end, as management doesn't own it's own draft pick for the next two years. This could be enough to get the players to hustle and work their tails off in order to get into the playoffs.
21.
Utah Jazz
Utah is still a few pieces away from being an annual playoff contender, but this doesn't mean they can't manage to make a run for it this year. Yao Ming continues to improve his game, and with the drafting of a natural pass first point guard, guys like Yao and Kevin Martin will get more shots that they are used to. It's obvious Parker wasn't the team's answer at the 1, however, he can still be very useful off the bench as the teams backup combo guard. Utah is a very unpredictable team at this point. They have talent, but they need to find a consistent flow in order to translate that into wins.
22.
Miami Heat
The Heat are in a do or die year, and the past offseason showed how serious management is to getting this team into playoff contention. Jermaine O'Neal received 85 million dollars from the team to solidify the low post next to Zach Randolph - a defensive eye sore. Along with Jason Richardson, rookie Jameer Nelson and Latrell Sprewell, the Heat are probably another legitimate scorer away from that final spot in the East. However, it's a long season and many things can happen.
23.
Boston Celtics
The C's are a team fighting for experience, and learning the winning culture at this point. While they have talent, and a chance of making it into the playoffs (www.thessbl.com/v4/Archives/2003/playstand.htm) they still lack in many places, namely point guard, to be considered a lock for the postseason. The combination of Sofoklis Schortsantis and LeBron James could prove to be a bright future though, and the C's shouldn't be slept on.
24.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have been reduced to shambles recently, trading away their point guard and starting center, while proclaiming a sudden rebuild after making the playoffs just a year ago. With the team actively trying to shop All-star Elton Brand without success thus far. They have some good pieces to start with, such as Caron Butler and Brand, but what the team really needs is a defender, or lots of them.
25.
New Jersey Nets
New Jersey is a young team ready to put it all together this season. This is not a ranking of doubt, rather a wonder if they can prove to be a great Eastern conference powerhouse. Led by Marbury, Ron Artest and Marcus Camby - the Nets need a good low post scoring presence. Troy Murphy, the current starter, has not grown into the scorer many thought he would become. Rebounder? Yes. Decent post defender? Sure. Murphy needs to focus on his inside presence before New Jersey can walk over the rest of the Conference.
26.
Washington Wizards
Washington is dedicated to the rebuild still, and have acquired some lofty pieces in the process. The team is pretty high on Charlie Villanueva and Mo Williams, and have some good role players in Vladimir Stepania down low. All this team needs is some luck in the offseason through the draft and Free Agency, and we should be seeing them sometime soon up the rankings.
27.
New York Knicks
New York is another team immersed in rebuilding. The team has some great pieces in place in Amar'e Stoudemire and Emeka Okafor, and should look to use their many draft picks to fill the rest of the holes in their lineup. The Knicks have plenty of opportunities in their future, and have a good foundation in place.
28.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philly is rebuilding this year, and have netted Devin Harris over the summer. Harris is quite an electrifying player and could become a future star in the league. Until then, the sixers will be dwelling around the bottom for the time being.
29.
Phoenix Suns
Dwight Howard was their number one overall pick last draft, however, Ha Sueng Jin has proven to be nearly as effective on the floor as the high school phenom. Phoenix has a gem in Howard, but that won't translate into any wins. Let's not forget about Gilbert Arenas! He will most likely go unnoticed until the Suns become prevalent.
The setup will be as follows:
Team Name (Record) Previous Rank
Offensive PPG (League Rank)
Defensive PPG (League Rank)
Point Differential (+/-)
Seeing as how this will be the first of the power rankings, record will not apply, and this will be a ranking of how each team is expected to perform throughout the season based on offseason acquisitions and player progress.
2004-2005 SSBL Power Rankings
1.
Vancouver GrizzliesVancouver, defending SSBL champions, have not made any significant changes to the future HOF team including Shaq, Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd. They added second rounder Pape Sow to the low post, a young kid who brings defense and rebounding off the bench, however his playing time will be limited early in his career.
2.
Minnesota TimberwolvesBattling with the Grizzlies for top spot in the league will be Minnesota, who improved dramatically after acquiring All-Star guard Penny Hardaway over the summer for, almost nothing that was important in last years push to the top. Adding this kind of perimeter firepower could only have its benefits to a Minnesota team that is already amongst the leagues powerhouses.
3.
Dallas MavericksThis could be a controversial pick at number 3, however the Mavericks finally seem to be clicking, led by Steve Francis at the point, and Rasheed Wallace down low. Dallas retained the services of center Greg Ostertag, who is the teams linchpin on the defensive end. Many have claimed the team spent too much money on Ostertag, however, he is proving why he deserved that steep contract. Not to mention the duo that is almost always overlooked, Jamal Mashburn and Grant Hill are still bringing a certain level of talent along with their experience to the lineup.
4.
Los Angeles LakersThe Lakers lost most of their depth over the summer, watching Jermaine O'Neal rob the bank, and trading Michael Redd, Stromile Swift and Hedo Turkoglu for Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. While the two give LA the best frontcourt in the league, the team lacks any threat on the perimeter outside of Jamal Crawford, who hasn't proven he can be a reliable point guard. The Lakers are hunting for that perimeter oriented guy to take the pressure of the post on offense. Regardless, the Lakers should be somewhere in the top four of the league when it's all said and done. Duncan and Nowitzki are still two great players.
5.
Orlando MagicLike Vancouver, Orlando made relatively few changes to the lineup that brought them the 2 seed in last seasons playoffs. While the Eastern Conference is growing, and a few teams are legitimately better than 2003, Orlando still has one of the most talented teams in the league with the combination of Mourning, Pierce and Anderson. Consistency and possibly a better point guard could ensure the Magic stay atop the Conference, and League.
6.
Atlanta HawksThe Hawks arguable made the best moves of the offseason, gaining offensive star power while retaining that defensive swagger that landed them the top seed in the EC last season. Atlanta added Steve Nash and Brad Miller from the Spurs, while giving up an aging Gary Payton and offensively retarded Theo Ratliff. The team still has defensive madman Eddie Jones, and blocking machine Erick Dampier in the post. The Hawks, once they all gel, should be a top team in the East.
7.
Seattle SupersonicsSeattle landed their star to place next to Kobe, and it seems to be paying off so far. Shortly before the season began, Seattle pulled a deal with the Knicks to ship out a number of draft picks, Rick Fox, and Raja Bell for Jerry Stackhouse and Kurt Thomas - both serviceable players for a playoff team. Stackhouse teams up with Kobe and Eddie House in the backcourt, and Malik Rose down low. Kurt Thomas, the teams starting center, is probably better suited in a backup role. There is no word whether Seattle is looking to upgrade the position, but that could be the teams only weakness at this point.
8.
Detroit PistonsCould Detroit be for real this year? They have a solid starting five after trading away Dirk for a more natural SF in Hedo Turkoglu, and with the emergence of Leandrinho Barbosa, Michael Finley is back to playing his natural 2 guard spot. After seasons of players out of position, Detroit finally seems to have a very good starting 5 - and it should continue to show throughout the season.
9.
Portland TrailblazersPortland, like many clubs, dramatically improved the teams overall talent level in the offseason. They addressed their need for a young point guard by drafting Shaun Livingston, and also, their need for a dominant post presence by signing Free Agent Kenyon Martin. Now, Portland sports a great lineup including Mihm, Martin, Stojakovic, Johnson and Livingston - a group that is young, and ready to produce some wins in the postseason.
10.
Denver NuggetsDenver is another team that made minimal changes to their playoff team, and the trio of Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Glenn Robinson could, once again, make a strong impact in the powerhouse Western Conference. The one thing that is working against Denver at this point is the fact they are in the same division as the top 2 teams in the league - Minnesota and Vancouver. While they have enough talent to get into the playoffs, they will need either a dominant Center, or 2 guard to actually win it all. Jalen Rose is a decent talent, but not starter material, as the same goes for Jerome James down low.
11.
Sacramento KingsSac-Town turned Al Harrington and Charlie Villanueva into Antoine Walker, Mike Bibby and Tayshaun Prince this summer - a grand upgrade, especially in the case of Charlie Villanueva. Antoine Walker gives the team a legit 2nd option on offense, while Mike Bibby brings a consistent passer - Andre Miller was decent, but proved to be ineffective during the playoffs. The Kings have a good lineup, but they need to acquire a great offensive option at the 2 spot in order to expect to compete for a title. Steve Smith has long seen his time in the league pass by him, and he shouldn't be considered a reliable starting 2-guard at this point in his career.
12.
Indiana PacersAfter Indiana plummeted down the standings last season right before they were ready to lock in home-court advantage, management starting moving pieces around like investors in a market crash. Shawn Kemp, Penny Hardaway, and Mike Bibby were all let go, and in their places Indiana has set up a more youth oriented, and raw lineup. While the team has talent, we question it's ability to win games when it matters - down the road and in the playoffs. Either way, as it stands the Pacers have enough talent to make a play in the weak East. They're going to need Redd, Swift and Harrington step it up big to make up for the weak bench and sketchy SF play.
13.
Milwaukee BucksAfter their heroic playoff push last season, Milwaukee did the unthinkable by trading superstar Ray Allen to Chicago for Luol Deng. Despite the huge loss of talent, the Bucks could still have a decent starting five. Led by a revived Keith Van Horn, the former champions are dedicated to the youth movement, and could find themselves in the limbo if they don't get some real talent quick.
14.
Los Angeles ClippersThe Clippers will spend another season hovering around mediocrity as they could not find any deals to improve their lineup. Richardson and Olawokandi will lead the team once again, but when will it be time to blow this squad up? Each year they end with about 45-50 wins, and a first round exit. The Clippers need a game changing superstar on the roster, whether it be at PF or SG. Until then, the Clippers will be a middle of the road team struggling to get past the ever-improving teams in the West.
15.
Cleveland CavaliersCleveland has made significant changes to their team who owned the worst record in the league. After getting (quote) "Fucked by the lottery", the team went on a no-mercy trading period that saw the team grab bigmen Pau Gasol and David West in return for highly sought after Greek Sofoklis Schortsantis, or, "Baby-Shaq". They also added rookie talent in Andre Iguodala who should be a favorite for ROY honors, and veteran point guard Andre Miller. All of the sudden, the Cavaliers have a great starting five, and a solid supporting cast. Cleveland should end up fighting for a playoff spot by season's end.
16.
Toronto RaptorsThe Raptors, like Cavaliers, were one of the worst teams in the league last season, and again, like the Cavs, have made significant changes to the look of their squad. While retaining Wade and their first rounder, the team was able to pick up Brandon Bass in the middle of round 1, and trade a pair of rookies in Ray Felton and Pavel Podkolzin for Chris Kaman and Carlos Boozer, who shore up the teams problem with scoring in the post. Overall, the Raptors have a very young, inexperienced team, who are led by an even less experienced foreign point guard. The verdict is still out on whether or not Toronto can perform until the end of the season, but with the talent they currently possess, it's hard not to foresee it happening.
17.
Houston RocketsHouston missed the playoffs last season, however the emergence of Chris Bosh should help this team fight for a playoff spot. With Vince Carter still producing like an All SSBL First Teamer, and Scot Pollard manning the post, the only real weakness the team has is a natural point guard. Dajuan Wagner has stuggled at the point so far in his career, being careless with the ball, taking too many shots for himself and not set setting up his teammates. If Houston wants to gain a spot in the Western Conference playoff race, they have to first start with the 1.
18.
Chicago BullsRay Allen leads this group of youngsters, and who else better for the job then a champion from the 2002 division rival Bucks. In probably the most surprising move of the offseason, Chicago acquired one of the better shooting guards in the league with Allen. Combining him with an up and coming star in Anthony, Chicago has a near perfect balance of outside shooting, and inside post ups. Marcus Banks is still proving to be a fantastic starting point guard, as he gets better each year and becomes more of the pass first guard many thought him to be.
19.
San Antonio SpursSan Antonio recently traded away, arguably their best player in Steve Nash over the summer, and replaced him with an aging Gary Payton. While Payton brings to the table what Nash knew nothing of - defense - Payton also isn't the facilitator that Nash was, therefore giving McGrady and Mobley some competition for their shots. Payton would be better of focusing on getting those two prolific scorers the ball, and taking shots only when they are necessary. However, because these players don't have brains, we know it won't happen. Expect the Spurs to be fighting for a playoff spot come season's end.
20.
Golden State WarriorsGolden State is in an opposite state, of chaos in fact, at this point. Continually trading, cutting and signing players hasn't proven to be good for team chemistry in past years or the future. While the team is talented, most of it has come at just 2 or 3 positions instead of a strong overall lineup. There could be a burst of motivation though, if the team is just outside the race come seasons end, as management doesn't own it's own draft pick for the next two years. This could be enough to get the players to hustle and work their tails off in order to get into the playoffs.
21.
Utah JazzUtah is still a few pieces away from being an annual playoff contender, but this doesn't mean they can't manage to make a run for it this year. Yao Ming continues to improve his game, and with the drafting of a natural pass first point guard, guys like Yao and Kevin Martin will get more shots that they are used to. It's obvious Parker wasn't the team's answer at the 1, however, he can still be very useful off the bench as the teams backup combo guard. Utah is a very unpredictable team at this point. They have talent, but they need to find a consistent flow in order to translate that into wins.
22.
Miami HeatThe Heat are in a do or die year, and the past offseason showed how serious management is to getting this team into playoff contention. Jermaine O'Neal received 85 million dollars from the team to solidify the low post next to Zach Randolph - a defensive eye sore. Along with Jason Richardson, rookie Jameer Nelson and Latrell Sprewell, the Heat are probably another legitimate scorer away from that final spot in the East. However, it's a long season and many things can happen.
23.
Boston CelticsThe C's are a team fighting for experience, and learning the winning culture at this point. While they have talent, and a chance of making it into the playoffs (www.thessbl.com/v4/Archives/2003/playstand.htm) they still lack in many places, namely point guard, to be considered a lock for the postseason. The combination of Sofoklis Schortsantis and LeBron James could prove to be a bright future though, and the C's shouldn't be slept on.
24.
Charlotte HornetsThe Hornets have been reduced to shambles recently, trading away their point guard and starting center, while proclaiming a sudden rebuild after making the playoffs just a year ago. With the team actively trying to shop All-star Elton Brand without success thus far. They have some good pieces to start with, such as Caron Butler and Brand, but what the team really needs is a defender, or lots of them.
25.
New Jersey NetsNew Jersey is a young team ready to put it all together this season. This is not a ranking of doubt, rather a wonder if they can prove to be a great Eastern conference powerhouse. Led by Marbury, Ron Artest and Marcus Camby - the Nets need a good low post scoring presence. Troy Murphy, the current starter, has not grown into the scorer many thought he would become. Rebounder? Yes. Decent post defender? Sure. Murphy needs to focus on his inside presence before New Jersey can walk over the rest of the Conference.
26.
Washington WizardsWashington is dedicated to the rebuild still, and have acquired some lofty pieces in the process. The team is pretty high on Charlie Villanueva and Mo Williams, and have some good role players in Vladimir Stepania down low. All this team needs is some luck in the offseason through the draft and Free Agency, and we should be seeing them sometime soon up the rankings.
27.
New York KnicksNew York is another team immersed in rebuilding. The team has some great pieces in place in Amar'e Stoudemire and Emeka Okafor, and should look to use their many draft picks to fill the rest of the holes in their lineup. The Knicks have plenty of opportunities in their future, and have a good foundation in place.
28.
Philadelphia 76ersPhilly is rebuilding this year, and have netted Devin Harris over the summer. Harris is quite an electrifying player and could become a future star in the league. Until then, the sixers will be dwelling around the bottom for the time being.
29.
Phoenix SunsDwight Howard was their number one overall pick last draft, however, Ha Sueng Jin has proven to be nearly as effective on the floor as the high school phenom. Phoenix has a gem in Howard, but that won't translate into any wins. Let's not forget about Gilbert Arenas! He will most likely go unnoticed until the Suns become prevalent.
